# The Annunciation explained — The Quest of the Silver Fleece > Chapter companion for The Quest of the Silver Fleece by W. E. B. Du Bois. ## What happens The chapter opens at the inaugural ball in Washington, D.C., where Harry Cresswell and his wife Mary encounter the city's social scene, including a separate, exclusive Negro ball. Mary is struck by the beauty and dignity of the gathering, and she recognizes Bles Alwyn, who is now well-dressed and composed. Meanwhile, political maneuvering intensifies as Mr. Easterly and Senator Smith plot to kill the National Education Bill and manipulate the Child Labor Bill to protect the Cotton Combine's interests. They are concerned about Bles Alwyn's potential appointment as Treasurer and Mary Cresswell's involvement with Congressman Todd's Civic Club. When Harry confronts Mary about her work with the Civic Club, she is shocked to learn it opposes his interests. He demands she quit, and after a tense moment, she agrees, throwing herself into his arms and renouncing her work. ## Themes in this chapter ### Class and Color Hierarchy The chapter contrasts the white inaugural ball with the separate Negro ball, highlighting the social divisions and the complex color hierarchy within the Black community itself. ### Corruption of Philanthropy and Politics Political figures like Easterly and Smith manipulate legislation and appointments for economic gain, while Mary Cresswell's philanthropic work is used without her full understanding. ### Womanhood and Protection Mary Cresswell's role is defined by her husband's expectations; her independent work is seen as a threat, and she ultimately submits to his authority, reflecting the constraints on women. ## Character check-ins ### Harry Cresswell Attends the inaugural ball with his wife, where he is irritated by the Negro ball and later confronts Mary about her Civic Club work, demanding she quit. ### Mary Taylor Finds the Negro ball fascinating and is impressed by Bles Alwyn's dignity. She is actively involved with the Civic Club but agrees to give it up when her husband objects. ### Bles Alwyn Present at the Negro ball, correctly dressed and carrying himself with dignity. He is also the subject of political discussion regarding his potential appointment as Treasurer. ### Mrs. Vanderpool Attends the inaugural ball and later the Negro ball, where she greets Miss Wynn. She is also noted as a strong influence backing Bles Alwyn's appointment. ### Mr. Easterly Leads a political meeting to strategize against the Education Bill and the amended Child Labor Bill, expressing frustration with Mrs. Vanderpool's side interests and Mary Cresswell's activities. ### Senator Smith Participates in the political meeting and later confronts Harry Cresswell about his wife's involvement with the Civic Club and the Child Labor Bill. ## Key lines > “This is democracy for you,” said he, wiping his brow. Harry Cresswell sarcastically comments on the chaotic and crowded nature of the inaugural ball, implying that this is what democracy looks like. _This quote reflects Cresswell's cynical view of the democratic process and the social scene._ > “See the washerwoman in red,” he whispered. “Look at the monkey. Come, let’s go.” Harry Cresswell mockingly points out attendees at the Negro ball, using derogatory language and expressing his desire to leave. _This quote illustrates Cresswell's racism and disdain for the Black social event._ > “Which would the South prefer⁠—Todd’s Education Bill, or Alwyn’s appointment?” Senator Smith asks Harry Cresswell to choose between supporting a bill that would benefit Black education or opposing Bles Alwyn's appointment as Treasurer. _This question highlights the political trade-offs and the South's opposition to Black advancement._ > “I will give it all up⁠—everything! Willingly, willingly!” Mary Cresswell enthusiastically agrees to abandon her work with the Civic Club and her other independent activities to please her husband. _This quote shows Mary's submission to her husband's will and her desire for his approval._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/chapters/xxviii-the-annunciation - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/chapters